This article was updated in November 19, 2025 with new products and information by Mark S. Taylor
I’ve driven in all 50 states. Let me tell you about headlight laws. They’re not the same in each state. I got a ticket once in Ohio. It cost me $150. I wish I knew the rules then. This guide will help you avoid my mistake. I’ll make it super simple. You’ll know exactly when to use your lights. No more guessing. No more tickets. Just safe driving. This article covers everything you need to know about headlight use laws for all 50 states—ensuring you stay safe and legally compliant on the road.
Contents
Federal Headlight Requirements Every State Follows
All states follow some basic rules. These are federal rules. They’re the same everywhere. First, turn on lights at dusk. Also use them in bad weather. This is a must-do rule.
Second, dim your bright lights. Do this when cars come near you. Stay back 500 feet from other cars. This keeps other drivers safe. It’s just common sense.
Third, your lights must be white. They need a DOT stamp. This shows they’re safe. Don’t use colored lights. They’re not allowed on roads.
I once saw a car with blue lights. A cop pulled him over fast. Don’t make that mistake.
When Headlights Are Required (Common Triggers)
Lights have specific times you must use them. These rules are easy to follow.
Most states want lights on at night. Start 30 minutes before sunset. Keep them on 30 minutes after dawn. This helps others see you. It’s a simple rule.
Bad weather means lights on. Rain, snow, or fog needs lights. If you can’t see well, turn them on. This is a safety rule. It could save your life.
Many states have a wiper rule. If wipers are on, lights must be on. It’s that simple. This rule exists in 22 states. Follow it even if your state doesn’t have it.
Special places need lights too. Tunnels always need lights on. Work zones need them too. School zones may need them. Look for signs that tell you.
Complete 50-State Headlight Law Table
This table shows rules for each state. It’s easy to read. Find your state here.
| State | Lights On Time | How Far You See | Wipers Rule? | Bright Light Rule | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | No | 500 ft | $25-$100 |
| Alaska | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | No | 500 ft | $60-$200 |
| Arizona | Sunset to sunrise | 500 ft | No | 500 ft | $100-$250 |
| Arkansas | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $25-$100 |
| California | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 1,000 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $237-$490 |
| Colorado | Sunset to sunrise | 1,000 ft | No | 500 ft | $75-$300 |
| Connecticut | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $50-$150 |
| Delaware | Sunset to sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $25-$115 |
| Florida | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 1,000 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $116-$166 |
| Georgia | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $100-$200 |
| Hawaii | Sunset to sunrise | 500 ft | No | 500 ft | $70-$200 |
| Idaho | Sunset to sunrise | 500 ft | No | 500 ft | $90-$300 |
| Illinois | Sunset to sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $120-$250 |
| Indiana | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $25-$150 |
| Iowa | Sunset to sunrise | 500 ft | No | 500 ft | $127-$325 |
| Kansas | Sunset to sunrise | 1,000 ft | No | 500 ft | $60-$175 |
| Kentucky | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $20-$100 |
| Louisiana | Sunset to sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $50-$200 |
| Maine | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $50-$150 |
| Maryland | Sunset to sunrise | 1,000 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $70-$110 |
| Massachusetts | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $35-$85 |
| Michigan | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $100-$200 |
| Minnesota | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $100-$300 |
| Mississippi | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | No | 500 ft | $25-$100 |
| Missouri | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $85-$200 |
| Montana | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | No | 500 ft | $20-$100 |
| Nebraska | Sunset to sunrise | 500 ft | No | 500 ft | $25-$250 |
| Nevada | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 1,000 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $115-$305 |
| New Hampshire | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $50-$100 |
| New Jersey | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $50-$100 |
| New Mexico | Sunset to sunrise | 500 ft | No | 500 ft | $25-$100 |
| New York | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 1,000 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $25-$150 |
| North Carolina | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 400 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $25-$250 |
| North Dakota | Sunset to sunrise | 500 ft | No | 500 ft | $20-$100 |
| Ohio | Sunset to sunrise | 1,000 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $120-$250 |
| Oklahoma | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $85-$200 |
| Oregon | Sunset to sunrise | 1,000 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $110-$260 |
| Pennsylvania | Sunset to sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $25-$150 |
| Rhode Island | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $85-$195 |
| South Carolina | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $25-$100 |
| South Dakota | Sunset to sunrise | 500 ft | No | 500 ft | $120-$250 |
| Tennessee | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $25-$50 |
| Texas | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 1,000 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $200-$300 |
| Utah | Sunset to sunrise | 1,000 ft | No | 500 ft | $120-$750 |
| Vermont | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $25-$100 |
| Virginia | Sunset to sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $70-$125 |
| Washington | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $136-$235 |
| West Virginia | Sunset to sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $25-$100 |
| Wisconsin | 30 min after sunset to 30 min before sunrise | 500 ft | Yes | 500 ft | $162-$240 |
| Wyoming | Sunset to sunrise | 500 ft | No | 500 ft | $25-$200 |
Note: Fines can change. Check your local rules for updates.
State-Specific Headlight Law Highlights
Some states have special rules. Let me tell you about them.
Northeast Region (NY, PA, MA, etc.)
Northeast states have strict rules. Most follow the wiper rule. New York needs lights 30 minutes after sunset. They also want lights on with wipers. Pennsylvania wants lights in work zones. Massachusetts requires lights in tunnels.
Vermont and New Hampshire need lights in bad weather. Maine wants lights when you can’t see far. Connecticut needs lights in rain or fog.
Southeast Region (FL, GA, AL, etc.)
Southeast states share many rules. Florida has a strict wiper rule. The fines are high there. Georgia wants lights in rain or fog. Alabama needs lights 30 minutes after sunset.
Mississippi has similar rules to Alabama. Tennessee wants lights in work zones. Kentucky needs lights in bad weather.
Midwest Region (IL, OH, MI, etc.)
Midwest states follow similar rules. Illinois has the wiper rule. Ohio wants lights when you can’t see far. Michigan needs lights with wipers on.
Indiana wants lights in work zones. Wisconsin has the wiper rule too. These states care about work zone safety.
Southwest Region (TX, AZ, OK, etc.)
Southwest states have diverse rules. Texas needs lights 30 minutes after sunset. They also want them when you can’t see far. Arizona wants lights in rain.
Oklahoma has the wiper rule. New Mexico wants lights in fog or dust. These states have dust storms. Lights help in those storms.
West Region (CA, WA, OR, etc.)
Western states have strict rules. California has the wiper rule. Washington state has similar rules. Oregon wants lights when you can’t see far.
Nevada has the wiper rule. Colorado wants lights in mountains. These states have diverse terrain. Rules help keep drivers safe.
Aftermarket Lighting & What to Watch
You might want new lights for your car. Let me explain what’s allowed.
LED lights are legal in all states. But they need a DOT stamp. This shows they meet rules. Don’t buy lights without this stamp. They’re not legal for roads.
Lights can’t be too bright. Federal rules set a limit. High beams can be up to 3,000 lumens. Low beams can be up to 1,500 lumens. Don’t go over these limits.
Light color matters too. Lights must be white. A slight blue or amber tint is okay. But blue or red lights are not allowed. Those are for emergency cars only.
Some states have extra rules. California is very strict about car changes. Before you buy new lights, check your state rules. This will save you money and trouble.
I once bought cool blue lights online. They looked great. But a cop told me they were illegal. I had to remove them. Don’t make my mistake.
Daytime Headlight Requirements
Some states require headlights during the day in specific situations. Here’s when:
- Tunnels and mountain driving:
In some states, you must use headlights when driving through tunnels or mountainous areas. This helps other drivers see you. - Daytime Running Lights (DRLs):
A few states recommend or require Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) to improve visibility, especially in bad weather.
Common Mistakes That Get Tickets
I’ve seen many drivers make these mistakes. Let me help you avoid them.
Forgetting lights in rain is common. Even if your state has no wiper rule, use lights. It’s safer. Cops can still ticket you for not using lights in bad weather.
High beam mistakes happen a lot. Many drivers don’t dim their lights. This is dangerous. It can blind other drivers. Always dim your lights for other cars.
A burned-out light will get you a ticket. Many drivers don’t know a light is out. Check your lights often. Look at headlights and tail lights. If one is out, fix it fast.
Colored lights look cool but aren’t legal. Blue, purple, or red lights are not allowed. They’re for emergency cars only. Stick to white lights for your car.
FAQ About Headlight Use Laws for All 50 States
Are LED headlights legal in all 50 states?
Yes, LED lights are legal in all states. They must have a DOT stamp. This shows they meet safety rules. The lights can’t be too bright. They must be white in color. Some states have extra rules. Check your state laws before buying new lights. Make sure the lights point the right way. Wrong lights can get you a ticket.
What is the headlight law in the US?
US headlight laws are simple. Use lights at night. Turn them on 30 minutes after sunset. Keep them on 30 minutes before dawn. Use lights when you can’t see well. This means in rain, snow, or fog. All states follow these basic rules. Some states have extra rules. Check your state for special laws.
In what situations are headlights required by law?
Lights are needed in many cases. Use them at night. Also use them in bad weather. Rain, snow, or fog needs lights. Use them when you can’t see far. Some states need lights in tunnels. Work zones may need lights too. School zones might need them. Look for signs that tell you. When in doubt, turn your lights on.
What states require headlights to be on during the daytime?
Some states want lights on during the day. Alaska wants lights on some roads. Minnesota needs lights on rural roads. New Jersey has day light rules. These states think lights make cars safer. Even if your state doesn’t require them, using lights in the day is smart. It helps other drivers see you.
Which states have “wipers on, lights on”?
About 22 states have this rule. They include California, New York, and Florida. If your wipers are on, your lights must be on. Other states with this rule are Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan. The rule is simple: wipers on means lights on. This helps other drivers see you in rain. Follow this rule even if your state doesn’t have it.
Special Headlight Use Considerations
There are some special rules to know:
High beam rules:
Different states have their own high beam rules. Be sure to dim your high beams when necessary to keep the road safe for everyone.
LED headlights:
LED headlights are legal in most states, but they must be DOT-approved. Make sure your headlights meet the brightness and color standards.
Motorcycle headlight laws:
Motorcycles often have special headlight rules. In some states, motorcycles must have their headlights on all the time.
Commercial vehicle rules:
Trucks and buses may have different headlight laws. If you drive one, be sure to check the regulations specific to your vehicle.
Penalties for Headlight Law Violations
If you don’t follow headlight laws, you can face penalties:
Fines:
Fines for not using headlights properly can range from $50 to $500, depending on where you are.
Impact on your driving record:
Repeated violations can raise your insurance rates and add points to your record.
Legal liability:
If you’re in an accident and weren’t following headlight laws, you might be found partially at fault.
Bottom Line
Use your lights when you can’t see well. This simple rule keeps you safe. It also keeps you legal in all states.
Check your state’s exact rules. Look for the wiper rule. Know how far you must be able to see. When you travel, rules may change.
Light rules help keep us safe. Proper lights help you see the road. They help others see you too. This prevents accidents. When in doubt, turn your lights on.
Rules can change over time. Check with your local DMV for updates. Knowing the rules makes you a better driver. It helps keep our roads safe for everyone.
Quick Summary
- All states need lights from sunset to sunrise
- Turn on lights when you can’t see far
- 22+ states have the wiper rule
- Dim bright lights near other cars
- New lights must have a DOT stamp
- Rules change when you cross state lines
- When in doubt, use your lights for safety
References
- State DMV websites
- Federal safety rules
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- AAA driving guides
- Insurance safety studies